I like many of the new bass rods I see at my local tackle shop. Super light, fast action and very sensitive, to feel those light strikes on jigs and soft plastics. Here's a simple basic concept that I hope hasn't been lost because of all this high tech tackle. The concept is keeping your line between your thumb and index finger during the retrieve. I'm sure many will dispute this, but actually touching the line can detect strikes that you would never feel with even the most expensive rod made. This is nothing new or groundbreaking. Fisherman have been holding their line between their thumb and index finger for decades, way before sensitve, light rods were ever available. Many bass fisherman like to " palm" a casting reel, guiding the line onto the spool as they take up slack, holding the line in the process. It's not so much about the type of tackle your using. It can be done with a baitcaster, spinning reel, or spincast reel. It's having your fingers/ thumb actually touching the line that's makes the difference. Regardless of what style of rod you use, your line is the first connection to the fish. Many of the very best jig/ worm fisherman do this. They would never rely on just the rod only to detect the faint, almost nothing strikes. These can often be the strike of the largest bass.For a novice fisherman, this can be a good way to learn. On those tough, slow bite days, it can make the difference in catching fish or catching none. Do you hold the line while fishing? What's your method? It's a simple concept I've been doing for as long as I can remember. It can help you land more bass too
